Tooth extraction

Painless removal for impacted, decayed, or damaged teeth

Keeping your Natural Smile intact is our top priority, but if a tooth needs to come out, we can help make the process stress-free.

What is tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth when it is not possible to save it with modern restoration methods. Sometimes a tooth needs to come out because it is negatively affecting other, healthy teeth. You might need an extraction if you have a wisdom tooth coming through that is out of alignment, which can cause crowding and gum infections and increase your chances of developing tooth decay. Other common reasons for tooth extraction include advanced cases of tooth decay, or gingivitis (gum disease) that has progressed to periodontal disease and damaged the bone supporting your teeth. 

What do I need to know about tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction can sound a little scary, but it’s a routine procedure and we do everything we can to make you comfortable and relaxed. We’ll use a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding areas so that you don’t feel any pain. You will feel pressure as we wiggle the tooth to loosen it, but it won’t hurt. The procedure will probably take between 15 and 30 minutes, unless a root needs to be surgically removed, in which case it can take up to 45 minutes. Afterwards, you might have some swelling and discomfort as your mouth starts to heal. We’ll give you instructions about caring for the site of your extracted tooth.

What other treatments are available?

Depending on your situation, some of the following treatment options might be recommended to transform your smile.

Featured
Wisdom tooth removal
Wisdom tooth removal

Don’t let your wisdom teeth create problems for your other teeth

Wisdom teeth rarely come through as they should. If they’re causing you issues, we can remove them easily and painlessly.

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An attractive woman smiles confidently, showing her healthy and strong teeth after a visit to dentist, Dr Dave Richards, of Natural Smile Dental St Heliers, Auckland.
The luxurious, clean, quality Natural Smile Dental clinic in St Heliers, Auckland provides dental and cosmetic services using advanced technology for a stress-free dentist visit.

Common questions about tooth extraction

  • You can greatly reduce your risk of needing a tooth extracted by practicing good dental hygiene, getting regular check-ups, and having your teeth professionally cleaned. Your dentist can spot the early signs of tooth decay or gum disease and treat them before they cause major problems. However, if you have suffered an injury or have an impacted wisdom tooth, extraction may be the best option.

  • It’s perfectly normal to be nervous about having a tooth removed. At Natural Smile, we pride ourselves on making you as comfortable as possible. If anxiety is preventing you from seeking treatment, come and have a chat with us. You may be able to have your teeth extracted under sedation that makes you relaxed and sleepy during your procedure.

  • Your recovery time will depend on how your teeth were extracted and what kind of sedation (if any) was used. Usually, the immediate discomfort goes away after around three days, and you should be mostly recovered within a week. Be sure to follow all the post-extraction instructions from your dentist to help your mouth heal quickly and comfortably.

  • You’ll need to take a little extra care of your mouth after you’ve had a tooth removed. For the first 24 hours, you should avoid brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth, chewing on the extraction site, or doing vigorous exercise, as all these things might make it bleed. After a few days, you can gradually use your mouth more normally.

  • It’s common for the extraction site to be a bit sore. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medicine like ibuprofen will help to relieve pain and swelling. Sleeping with your head propped up can ease night-time discomfort. Stick to soft, cold, or lukewarm food with no crumbs or seeds for the first few days. You can also gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water from the second day.

  • The cost of a tooth extraction depends on how complicated the procedure is. We may be able to do it under a local anaesthetic or you might need to go to an oral surgeon. Extractions performed under sedation will be more expensive. Come and see us for a chat about your procedure and once we’ve worked out what needs to be done, we’ll be able to let you know how much it will cost.